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After nearly 200 years of service, Trinity United Methodist Church in Albany will close its doors on June 22. The church, located at the corner of Lark Street and Lancaster Street, has faced declining attendance and financial challenges, prompting members to vote for its closure at a Special Charge Conference on May 4. According to Times Union, the church was founded in 1835 and is the last Methodist church in Albany.
Nancy Lott, a long-time member and former president of the board of trustees, explained that the decision was due to a spending deficit and reduced participation. The church once had around 400 members, but now only 20 to 30 attend Sunday services. Lott noted that this trend reflects a broader decline in religious affiliation across the United States.
The church has also faced significant maintenance costs, including a $100,000 boiler repair bill this past winter. With the building's infrastructure aging, Lott stated, "Any more of those kinds of problems — we can’t afford it." The church will transfer the property to the Upper New York Conference, which owns the building. The structure is a local landmark and listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, offering potential for rehabilitation.
The closure will impact the community, as the church has provided services such as a food pantry and day care. A farewell video has been posted online for members to share their memories of the church.